Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) is a term used to describe classified information that requires special handling due to its potential impact on national security if disclosed. This information is typically related to military operations, intelligence, and diplomacy.
Understanding SCI
SCI is a subset of classified information that requires additional security measures to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure. It is often handled within a specific compartment, which is a group of individuals who have been cleared to access the information. Access to SCI is typically restricted to a need-to-know basis.
SELinux and SCI
Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) is a Linux kernel security module that provides a flexible, mandatory access control (MAC) framework. It is used to help keep users from accidentally sharing SCI. SELinux works by labeling files, processes, and users with security contexts, which determine the permissions and access controls for those entities.
SELinux Contexts
SELinux contexts are made up of a series of labels that describe the security properties of an object. These labels include the user, role, type, and level. By carefully controlling these labels, SELinux can prevent unauthorized access to SCI.
SELinux Policies
SELinux policies define the rules that determine how SELinux should handle access requests. These policies can be customized to meet the specific security requirements of an organization. For example, a policy could be created to prevent a user from accessing a file labeled as SCI, even if the user has the necessary permissions.